GEORGE TOWN — Penang could become an attractive spot for megayachts enthusiasts which could spur local tourism sector if a marina that could cater to these luxury marine vessels is established in the state, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and a local yacht company.
Chow acknowledged that Penang currently lacks a marina capable of accommodating superyachts, which has long deterred these luxury vessels from docking in the state.
He said discussions to develop such a facility have been ongoing for over a decade, with a site already approved off the coast of Andaman Island near Gurney Bay.
The location falls under Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), which holds concession rights for Phase 1 and 2 of the Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP) project in Tanjung Tokong.
“There is an urgent need for a marina as yachts have been bypassing Penang for many years now because we don't have good facilities and the fact that we have (a site) approved by the company Tanjung Pinang,” he told reporters at The Epitome of Luxury yacht event hosted by Pen Marine Sdn Bhd at Straits Quay Marina.
“There is probably no definite plan on when they are going to start building that marina. So maybe, there is a potential collaboration here between Pan Marine (and) a group from Italy to produce and manufacture superyachts (with) Tanjung Pinang (Development Sdn Bhd).
“There can be some form of collaboration which will speed up the establishment of the marina right here in Gurney (Bay).”
Chow noted that Gurney Bay is an ideal location for a marina, describing it as strategic, iconic, and scenic, with existing amenities such as food and beverage outlets, quality residential options, and other lifestyle attractions.
“…and the marina will add value to the whole precinct here. So we hope that (this marina idea) will materialise.
“Currently the yacht facility in Penang is only here (at Straits Quay) and Batu Uban which is a very small one. So it is high time that Penang joins the league,” he added.
Pen Marine founder and managing director Oh Kean Shen echoed Chow’s concerns, saying existing facilities are inadequate. Straits Quay Marina has a capacity of only 38 yachts, while the Batu Uban facility near the first Penang Bridge can only accommodate small vessels.
He said a marina that could welcome superyachts is urgently needed, as owners of these vessels travel globally and would welcome the opportunity to visit Penang.
“It (marina) can be done very quickly, like a year and a half or two years because you can fabricate a marina fortune elsewhere and ship (the materials) it all in and plonk it in,” he said.
According to Oh, the process of building a marina begins with identifying the appropriate type, which could take up to six months once an investor is secured.
Currently, the only marinas in the northern region capable of accommodating large yachts are the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and Telaga Harbour, both on Langkawi Island.
Industry site yachtsourcing.com notes that large marinas play a vital economic role by generating income through mooring and service fees, while supporting the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Such marinas also offer safety and shelter for vessels through infrastructure like reinforced docks, breakwaters, and navigational aids designed to protect yachts from adverse weather. — May 18, 2025
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